FAQs — International Moving from Canada
Answers to the most common questions Canadians ask before, during, and after an international move to the USA.
Moving team photo
Moving Process & Planning
Item #1
We recommend booking 8–12 weeks before your target move date. Peak moving season (May through September) books out quickly. Ocean freight shipments require additional lead time for container booking and vessel scheduling — book earlier if your move involves FCL ocean freight.
Item #2
Enveo provides free, no-obligation quotes following a home survey — either in-person at your Canadian address or via video call. The survey assesses your volume in cubic metres (CBM), identifies specialty items requiring crating, and confirms your US destination and move date. A full all-in quote is issued within 24 hours of the survey.
Item #3
Every quote includes: professional home packing and all packing materials at your Canadian address; your chosen freight mode (ground, ocean LCL, ocean FCL, or air); CBSA export declaration (B13A) filing; US CBP import entry filing (CBP Form 3299); all-risk cargo insurance from packing day to US delivery; and door-to-door delivery including furniture reassembly. One all-inclusive price — no hidden fees and no separate US agent invoice.
Customs & Documentation
Item #1
The primary documents are: the CBSA B13A export declaration (filed by Enveo via CERS before your goods depart Canada), and the US CBP Form 3299 Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles (filed by Enveo’s US licensed brokers at the port of entry). You also need to provide: your household goods inventory, proof of Canadian residency, and a bill of sale if shipping a vehicle.
Item #2
No — Canadians permanently relocating to the USA qualify for duty-free entry of household goods and personal effects under CBP Form 3299, provided the items have been owned and used for at least one year. Items purchased new shortly before your move may be dutiable. Enveo identifies any potentially dutiable items during the inventory stage.
Item #3
No. Enveo includes licensed CBSA (Canadian export) and US CBP (US import) broker services in every move quote. Our brokers handle all filings at both ends of the move. You do not need to engage a separate customs agent.
Shipping & Transit
Item #1
It depends on your origin city, US destination, and freight mode. Ground freight from Vancouver to Seattle takes the same day. Toronto to New York City by ground takes 1–2 days. Vancouver to Los Angeles by ground takes 2–3 days. Ocean freight from Port of Vancouver to Port of Los Angeles takes 8–12 days sailing plus US inland delivery. Ocean freight from Port of Montreal to Port of New York/Newark takes 5–8 days.
Item #2
Enveo offers four modes: cross-border ground freight (most common for moves within 4 days’ drive of your US destination); ocean LCL shared container (best for partial homes under 15 CBM); ocean FCL full container (best for 3+ bedroom homes); and air freight (fastest, best for small volumes or urgent moves). Enveo recommends the right mode after your home survey.
Item #3
Delays at the Canada–US border are uncommon when documentation is complete and accurate. If a delay does occur, Enveo’s licensed brokers liaise directly with CBSA or US CBP to resolve the issue. Most documentation-related delays are resolved within 24 hours. Physical inspection delays may take 2–5 business days for ocean freight.
Costs & Insurance
Item #1
International moving is priced primarily by volume (cubic metres / CBM) for ocean freight, and by weight and distance for ground freight. Your home survey establishes the volume, which drives the freight cost. Packing materials, customs broker services, insurance, and delivery are included in the Enveo all-in quote — there are no add-ons billed separately.
Item #2
Yes. Every Enveo international move includes all-risk cargo insurance coverage from the moment goods are loaded at your Canadian home through delivery at your US address. The policy covers loss, theft, and physical damage. Policy documentation is provided before your goods depart. You can also purchase additional coverage for declared-value items such as fine art or antiques.
Item #3
LCL (Less than Container Load) is priced per CBM — you pay only for the space your goods occupy in a shared container. FCL (Full Container Load) is priced per container — you pay for the entire 20ft or 40ft container regardless of how full it is. FCL is typically more cost-effective for homes above approximately 15–18 CBM, and offers lower handling risk than LCL.
Health, Finance & Admin
Item #1
Your Canadian provincial health coverage ends on the date you leave Canada as a permanent resident. There is no grace period for emigrants. You must arrange US health insurance to begin on your move-in date. Options include an employer plan, the ACA marketplace (healthcare.gov), or a private US insurer. Do not arrive in the USA without health coverage in place.
Item #2
When you leave Canada as a tax resident, your RRSP and TFSA have specific cross-border tax implications. We strongly recommend consulting a cross-border financial advisor before your move. Key points: RRSP can generally remain in Canada as a non-resident account; TFSA should typically be closed or collapsed before departure as it loses its tax-sheltered status under US tax law. Penalties for mishandling these accounts after emigration can be significant.
Item #3
Yes. In the year you emigrate, you must file a Canadian tax return and a separate CRA departure return declaring your departure date and reporting a deemed disposition of most assets. Failure to file the departure return results in penalties. Consult a cross-border tax advisor — ideally one licensed in both Canada and the USA — well before your move date.
Ready to Move? Get Your Free Quote Today
Enveo National & Worldwide Movers Inc. provides free, no-obligation moving quotes from all major Canadian cities to all 50 US states and worldwide. One all-inclusive price — no hidden fees.
Serving Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax and all major Canadian cities.
